Here’s to you, Helen Mirren! The Hollywood legend, who celebrates her 80th birthday on Saturday, July 26, 2025, has the best partner to celebrate with — her longtime love and husband of 27 years, Taylor Hackford.
Though initially reluctant to the idea of ceremonial nuptials, The Queen actress was stopped in her tracks by Ray director Hackford at the age of 38. “I always said I have nothing against marriage,” the star told AARP in 2016, “It just wasn’t to my taste, like turnips. I just had to meet the right turnip,” she continued.
Mirren — whose admirers include Stephen Colbert, Robert De Niro, and 50 Cent — tied the knot with Hackford in 1997 after a 10-year relationship. “We got married in the end because we realized that we were going to be together forever,” she said.
Ahead, see some of the actress and her hubby’s most adorable moments over the years, as she celebrates her milestone birthday.
The Very First Night
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The couple met when Hackford directed Mirren in the 1985 musical drama White Nights, and at the premiere, they proved to be a stylish pair.
Make It Official
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Mirren and Hackford officially began dating a year later, stepping out in Los Angeles arm-in-arm.
Finally Hitched
After 11 years together, they tied the knot on New Year’s Eve in 1997. It was also Hackford’s 53rd birthday.
A Celebratory Kiss
Mirren lovingly smooches her hubby at the 1999 Emmy Showtime Party, holding her award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series after portraying the titular novelist in The Passion of Ayn Rand (1999).
Awards Show of Affection
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They’re not afraid to love each other loudly! At the 2002 New York Film Critics Circle Awards, Mirren leaned in for a kiss from her husband.
A Sweet Embrace
Mirren tenderly embraces Hackford during the 2005 Screen Actors Guild Awards red carpet in Hollywood.
Seeing Double!
How dare he! The British actress, right, looks on as her husband kisses her new wax likeness in 2010 at Madame Tussauds in London. Mirren was heavily involved in the creation process of her wax double — even donating the black dress donned by the sculpture.
Braving the Weather
The happy couple stayed warm together during some rainy weather at the 2005 10th Annual Critics Choice Awards in Los Angeles.
Star-Crossed Lovers
Mirren kicks up her leg as the pair share a kiss at a ceremony honoring the Hitchcock actress with the 2,488th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013.
All the Love
Above, she tenderly rests her head on her beau at the 2007 Annual Academy Awards after winning the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in The Queen (2006).
So Many Mirrens!
Hackford boasts a big smile as he poses alongside a cardboard cutout of his wife during a special film screening of the hit action comedy, Red (2010), which stars Mirren as one of the lead agents.
The Look That Says It All
The happy couple lovingly looked into each other’s eyes at the 2013 London film premiere of Red 2, the highly anticipated action comedy sequel to Mirren’s 2010 film.
Lovey Derby!
Mirren and Hackford pose together in their stylish hats and sophisticated attire for the 2018 Epsom Derby in England.
Romance in Red
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Mirren has a shoulder to rest her head on at the 2020 InStyle and Warner Bros. Golden Globe Awards post-party.
Together Today
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The happy couple continues to make public appearances together, matching in black attire at the American Cinematheque Awards in 2024, where Mirren was honored.
